Throwback Thursday: Giving

I originally posted this post in November of 2012.  You can see the original here.

This is one of my favorite personal posts.  I used it as one of my writing examples when I applied to write for TBMB.  I wanted to "throwback" a couple of years to love it again...  So you can either click on the original link, or just read here:

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To me, it is one of life's great ironies... When you give, you get more than what you gave.

Today our family (all 16 of us) went to downtown to feed the hungry.  We made sandwiches, chips, apples, and water.  The kids decorated bags and packed them.  We handed them out.  It just felt good.  (57)

Even the 2 year old got it.  As we're driving away from the experience, our conversation went like this...

C- "We gave man our lunch."

Us- "Yes, C.  He didn't have any food for lunch and we did so we gave him some to eat."

C- "Yeah.  We share lunch."

Oh my gosh, it hardly gets sweeter than a conversation like that!  I have to admit that I wasn't thinking that he was going to get it.  But on his own level, he did.  I can't express the happiness I felt knowing that he felt good helping someone out.  (58)

We may have given those people some meals, but we walked away with SO much more.  I feel so grateful for the lesson and experience that they gave our family.  It's important to us that we raise our boys knowing that there are needs and wanting to fill them.  Holidays are so fun and I love the traditions that go along with them, but I want them to get more than just the receiving end of the holidays.  I want them to get giving.  I also really want to give them experiences and I can't wait to turn something like this into a tradition.

Before going, we read a story about our favorite role model. (59)  Especially when it comes to giving.  We read a story to all of the kids (and adults) from Luke 17 where Jesus heals some men with Leprosy.  It's a good read if you're wondering.

If the Bible isn't your favorite read then know that giving isn't just in the Bible.  I know that Christian people aren't the only ones who can be good at giving!  I also read in Good Housekeeping Magazine this week that giving is a good habit of people who are happy.  I have to agree!

If you have given or are giving please let me know, let our hearts sing together!

3/14

Today is March 14, 2014.  This video shows you what I was doing on March 14, 2011, exactly 3 years ago.



C Laughing from Kelly Hefty on Vimeo.

Why did I choose to sing Spice Girls circa my days in 5th grade, 1997 to my 7 month old?  I have no idea.  But I am so glad that I did.  If you're wondering why it's bouncy, just know that some really good dance moves surely accompanied this amazing rendition of that song.

As a baby, C was happy, but he wasn't always "laugh out loud" happy.  His laugh today is still from the soul and super contagious.

That gummy smile.  His happy eyes.  Those pointy ears.  His bald head.

Apparently more than just my heart felt like singing on March 14, 2011.

Exactly What I Want

Over a month ago (pre-minivan, post T's ER trip) Lukas and I had the honor of watching our friend debut as a St. Pete debutante.  We got all dressed up and had so much fun.  I'm not going to lie, we looked pretty snazzy. (293)

When our babysitter arrived we tried to find an area of the house to take our "formal" picture.  We stood here and took this shot.  Meanwhile, I was thinking to myself that I would have to crop the "house" out of the picture later.

Then I saw the picture.  Immediately, I knew that I didn't want to change anything about this shot whatsoever (except maybe that it was taken on my phone and could be slightly more clear. 294)

This is what our life looks like right now. No matter how dressed up we get.  Toys are strewn about, sippy cups are always in weird places, our furniture is either over-sized or miniature.  And I love it.  I love it all. (295)

Balls are SO fun, don't get me wrong.  We had a blast (and took other pictures too).  But I am so grateful for the ball that I get to have here at home. (296)

Now hopefully I can remember that feeling the next time I step on a puzzle piece.

2013: Another Year to Make My Heart Sing

*Reason 474 can be found on the Ten Thousand Reasons Blog Facebook Page

I just wanted to share some of my favorites of the year:

January

Sicky Kelly

February Touch the Truck

We played at Lego Land

Dressed up for Easter

Turned 1

Decorated

Got our Big Boy Bed

Went to Maine

Turned 3

Played with Friends

Danced at the mall

Drew more friends

Posed as a family on our bench

And had a great time!

All of these pictures can be found in the blog posts throughout the year.

Also in 2013,  I pledged to raise money for Autism Speaks and run the Disney Princess Half Marathon, began contributing to the Tampa Bay Mom's Blog, attended Bridgepoint Church, and went back to work half day.  Thank you to all of you who have listened to my heart sing!

It's been quite a year, but I have a feeling 2014 is going to be even better!  See you next year! (275)

Throwback Christmas

Now that it's December, I wanted to let you know that I L-O-V-E Christmas. (456)

I was just thinking back to last Christmas and I wanted to do a sort of "throwback" to the posts from last year.

We had our hilarious, and naturally most popularly viewed post about failing at Christmas photography.

Original Post

We talked about the importance of having the kids involved in the Christmas festivities:

Original Post

We climbed to new heights and took part in some family traditions (aka, Clark Griswold day)

Original Post

And even found a way for me to enjoy wrapping presents with results that I adored:

Original Post

My favorite things about Christmas are the simple, experience-based enjoyment of one another.  I can't wait to see what this year has in store!   (457)

I also wanted to share a post with you that I found helpful and spot on!  You can read about it here (458)